Download PDF of this full issue: v31n1.pdf (13.8 MB)

Veterans Memorial Dedicated

By David Cline

On Memorial Day 2001, over four hundred veterans and other concerned citizens joined in dedicating the Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial in remembrance of the 64 local young men who lost their lives in that war as well as those who died from war-related causes after returning home.

Funds to build the memorial were raised over a fourteen-month period through contributions, T-shirt sales and a 24-hour softball marathon fundraiser. The memorial's design was developed by committee members working with artist June Svetlovsky, who contributed her talent and time.

Senator Jon Corzine and Jersey City mayor Glenn Cunningham spoke, and a message was read from New Jersey governor Marga Lyons. A school teacher whose father and cousin both died in Vietnam spoke on behalf of the families of the fallen, many of whom were present.

Reverend Mona Fitch, whose brother Clarence died after returning from Vietnam, led the gathering in prayer and in singing "Ain't Gonna Study War No More." Poet Marc Levy read from his writings and former city councilman Jaime Vazquez spoke about his Marine Corps sergeant who died while saving his life.

Greg Payton gave the keynote speech and reflected on the meaning of the loss of these young men. He asked, "What would their lives have been like if they were still here? Would they be homeless or unemployed and ignored like so many others? Would they be addicted to drugs or alcohol or sick with AIDS? Would they have been racially profiled while driving down the highways of the country they fought for?"

Color guards from VVA Chapters 151 and 800 and VFW Shelton Post 2294 stood on both sides of the Memorial as it was dedicated, and the Hudson County Korean War Veterans laid a wreath. Sixty-four veterans then laid red roses at the base on the memorial as each of the names was read. "Taps" was played to conclude the ceremony.

Afterwards, refreshments were served, and many took the time to touch the memorial stone, remembering individuals they had known. A number of families and friends of those who died after their return asked Memorial Committee members to develop a program to individually memorialize those veterans as well. Plans are now being considered for an appropriate addition to remember these brothers.

VVAW members played an important part in this memorial's realization from start to finish and are proud to have lent a hand so our fallen comrades are NOT FORGOTTEN!